The 32nd edition of the Anuga concluded on Oct. 9 in Cologne, Germany, after a successful five-day run. Approximately 155,000 trade visitors from 187 countries saw to it that there was lots of activity at the stands of 6,777 exhibitors. Roughly 65% of participants came from abroad.
“Anuga is the most important platform in the world for the international food business,” said Gerald Böse, president and ceo of organizer Kolnmesse. “No other fair brings supply and demand together so effectively at such a high level of quality.”
Friedhelm Dornseifer, president of the Federal Association of the German Retail Grocery Trade (BVLH), emphasized how important Anuga is for policy-making and the economy. “Ministers and Secretaries of State from all over the world traveled to Germany to visit the show,“ he said. ”This strong presence underscores the position occupied by the trade fair in the global food industry. Moreover, it shows that Anuga is an important platform for promoting dialogue among international policy-makers.”
“Anuga once again highlighted that the sector’s sustained growth is being driven by the increasing popularity of high-quality German food abroad,” said Dr. Werner Ingold, chairman of the Federation of German Food and Drink Industries (BVE). “Food in Germany is of higher quality than ever before. It is also more diverse, safer and cheaper.”
The German Hotel and Restaurant Association DEHOGA was also very satisfied with the overall results. Its managing director, Ingrid Hartges, said, “The successful trade fair days in Cologne impressively demonstrated Anuga’s importance for our sector.”
The atmosphere at Anuga was characterized by a business attitude and extensive networking. Decision-makers from the domestic and international trade, as well as leading importers and buyers from key catering firms, came to the fair to obtain in-depth information about services and the products on display. Many companies reported a good level of ordering activity. One company spokesperson also said that the participants generally expect post-fair business to be good.
The following trends were observed at the fair: Convenience products are becoming more and more widespread. With these items, the food supply chain is consistently meeting the needs of an increasing number of people who are adapting their eating habits to the changed nature of daily life. Frozen foods loom large in this regard.
Discussions at Anuga also focused on the appreciation of food. The debate — held under the theme “Food Values” — addressed not only changes in consumer behavior, but also the sector’s efforts to engage in a broader dialogue and promote transparency. The trade fair also featured the trend towards providing offers for specific target groups — for example, vegetarians, vegans and people with intolerances regarding certain types of food. Organic food, fair-trade products and regional specialities all continued to attract plenty of interest.
